… As Ogun NIPR Holds 2024 Colloquium

By Olasunkanmi Olajide, Joy Adeyiga & Lydia Adebayo

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has called for a united effort to overcome the obstacles hindering Nigeria’s progress in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating hunger and ensuring food security.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Colloquium of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, held today, October 3, 2024 at the June 12, Cultural Centre, Abeokuta and themed “Galvanising Public and Private Stakeholders Toward Addressing Food Crisis in Nigeria: Public Relations as Key Driver,” Prof. Kehinde commended NIPR for keeping the conversation on food security at the forefront of public dialogue.

He emphasised that addressing food insecurity in Nigeria required collective responsibility, noting the need for synergy between academia, government, and private industries, facilitated by strategic Public Relations, to secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.

According to him, he underscored the critical role of Public Relations and the media in fostering collaboration and driving engagement between the public and private sectors to combat the food crisis. He stressed FUNAAB’s leadership in this arena, citing the University’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nourished Choice Foods Ltd., a partnership aimed at reducing food costs and boosting food production and distribution. Under his leadership, he noted, FUNAAB has continued to strengthen its global reputation for academic excellence and agricultural innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted some of the University’s key agricultural milestones, including the ongoing harvest of a 2-hectare tomato farm managed by students under the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), the 22-hectare Cassava Bio-Ethanol Farm, and the completion of a 9-hectare maize farm project in partnership with NOLAP. The achievements, he noted, reflected FUNAAB’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through innovative research and collaborative ventures.

He, however, addressed misconceptions about FUNAAB’s role, clarifying that the University’s mandate was not to feed the nation but to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector. He noted the recent feat achieved by the University as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and the 7th best globally, adding that the University also came 1st in Nigeria in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG2) – “Zero Hunger.”

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that reshaping the narrative, fostering collaboration, and celebrating agricultural successes are vital to addressing food insecurity. With the support of Public Relations, FUNAAB, government programmes, and private sector partnerships, Nigeria was better positioned to address food insecurity to build a sustainable agricultural future, he noted.

Earlier, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, outlined the challenges of food insecurity in Nigeria, stating that solutions required more than government intervention. He stated that it demands collective action from both the public and private sectors, stressing that innovation must meet the opportunity to drive progress in addressing the food crisis.

Hon. Owotomo, who was also the Keynote Speaker highlighted the role of Public Relations in bridging the gap between government and private investors, noting that Public Relations was not just about communication but about changing perceptions and fostering relationships that can reshape the future of agriculture.

He called on professionals in the field to use their influence to change the public’s perception of agriculture as a lucrative and sustainable enterprise. Hon. Owotomo encouraged stakeholders in agriculture to continue sharing and celebrating success stories, as these narratives are crucial to overcoming the nation’s food insecurity challenges.

In his remarks, Dr. Ike Neliaku, the NIPR President who was represented by a Council Member of the Institute, Mr. Tope Adaramola called for greater focus on mechanised farming and sustainable agricultural practices to address food insecurity. He urged Public Relations professionals to champion agriculture as a viable and sustainable business.

Earlier in her Welcome Address, the NIPR Ogun Chapter Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, described the Colloquium as a clarion call to action, urging participants to engage deeply and contribute ideas to combat the nation’s food crisis. She acknowledged the essential role of institutions like FUNAAB in advancing food development through research, education, and innovation.

The highpoints of the event were the presentation of awards to notable individuals and institutions, including an Award of Excellence to FUNAAB for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, and Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was recognised for his outstanding support for food security in Ogun State, as well as the unveiling of the Image Maker Journal of the Institute.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Annual Colloquium brought together prominent figures from academia, Public Relations, and government to address Nigeria’s pressing issue of food insecurity. With millions of Nigerians affected, the event underscored the critical role that Public Relations could play in shaping the agricultural narrative and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.